To provide insight into the most important theories on entrepreneurship in socio-cultural perspective, by means of lectures, discussions and assignments as to get a better understanding of how socio-cultural factors and aspects are of influence on (successful) entrepreneurship. How are various partial identities related to one’s entrepreneurial identity, and which chances but also barriers will you face as an entrepreneur because of the combination of these partial, social identities (such as for instance gender, ethnicity, religion, or class)? And how can you strategically cope with the combination of these identities and factors to be successful as an entrepreneur?

We will try to get a better picture of this, through the aforementioned life-story interview and the essay you have to write about the interviewed entrepreneur, and the analysis and interpretation of these entrepreneurs’ multiple identities and their intersections. As well as the self-reflection essay in which you elaborate on your own entrepreneurial identity in relation to your other identities, and possible other factors impacting your entrepreneurial behavior. Additionally, you will attend 2 guest-lectures of real entrepreneurs that will talk about these topics themselves, within their own contexts.

This elective focuses on the conceptualization of entrepreneurship of individuals from various socio-cultural contexts. It also centers on the idea of entrepreneurialism which professionals might develop within their companies and aspire for. On the one hand it comprises a practical component, as it goes into the practices of real entrepreneurs which you analyze through various theories, but it will also prepare you well for writing your Bachelor Thesis (by conducting a life-story interview with a real entrepreneur and writing 2 essays). Moreover, it will provide the participating students with various frameworks and ideas to reflect on their own entrepreneurial behavior (if this would really result in a concrete company, or not), and on the socio-cultural factors that might influence this behavior. ‘To what extent does an entrepreneur reside in me?’, is hence one of the questions we will think about and if possibly discuss. This might also help you to be prepared for your follow up studies or future career.

The set-up of the course is as follows: There are 7 lectures (including guest lectures or entrepreneurs and workshops), all done in an interactive manner based on the fact that students will have to prepare some statements in trios that will be debated during the meetings. Besides this, you will do this life-story interview with a real entrepreneur, as well as analyze this interview for a group assignment. You will present this assignment at the end of the course with your team. Secondly, you will write a self-reflection essay on your own entrepreneurial identity and behavior in relation to your other social identities and background factors.